Dear Class Chairmen, Events Secretaries, etc.

The Notice of Race for the 2009 Forts Race is now available.

The new two day format for our event was a great success this year, so we will be continuing the arrangement of one day cans racing plus one day long distance in future. This was popular with competitors because it provides better economies of scale, separate starts for qualifying classes and enables it to be part of the Travellers Series for many classes.

Improvements for 2009 include a later start on Saturday, not before 13.00, to allow more competitors to arrive in the morning as well as prizes for individual classes, depending on the number of entries.

As usual the Forts will be the first mark, weather permitting, and the course will be shortened for smaller cats, such as Darts, if necessary. Typically the Race Officer, Don Findlay again, will target race duration of 4-5 hours.

We very much hope that you will include the Forts in your events programme as it now has a well established record after 12 years development and improvement and provides a uniquely fair hadicap race, with long legs at all points of the wind

For more information, please email Huw Reynolds
http://www.wyc.org.uk/flattened/events_forts2008.html
http://www.wyc.org.uk/flattened/events_forts2009.html

John, the 2009 link goes nowhere... I just want to know the date to check it in my agenda for now.

That's the only link I was given. The date though is 5th and 6th September 2009.

WHITSTABLE YACHT CLUB
FORTS RACE
NOTICE OF RACE
Venue:
The venue for the 2009 is Whitstable Yacht Club, 3-4 Sea Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BX, Tel: 01227-272942, office@wyc.org.uk The 2009 Forts Race will be held on Saturday and Sunday 5th – 6th September with the first day for cans racing and the second for a long distance event.
Organising Authority:
The organising authority is the Whitstable Yacht Club.
Rules:
The Forts Race is governed by:
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The rules as defined in Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2005-2009
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The Rules as defined in the Equipment Rules of Sailing
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The Sailing Instructions
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The official language of the Forts Race is English. In case of any conflict between languages then the English text from prevail
Additional Rules:
The penalty for breaking a rule in RRS Part 2 shall be a 360 degree turn which shall include one tack and one gybe. This changes RRS 44.1
Prizes:
These will be awarded for separate categories of three-sailed, smaller catamarans and qualifying individual classes, dependent on the numbers of entries in each category.
Advertising:
The Forts Race is designated a category “C” event in accordance with ISAF Regulation 20. Boats may be required to display a bow number and advertisement of the Race sponsor on both hulls, as indicated by the OA.
Eligibility:
Competitors must have paid their entry fee of £60 and hold insurance to the value of £2,000,000. Competitors under the age of 18 must have signed permission from parents and or guardians and if under 16 must be sailing with an adult.
Entries:
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Competitors may enter on the Club web site/ or send cheque to/ or pay on arrival in the Race Office based in Whitstable YC.
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The Forts Race is open to single-handed and two-handed sports catamarans rated at 1.185 or faster under the ISAF measurement system.
Registration:
Registration will take place in the Whitstable YC from 08.30 hrs on 5th September 2009.

Measurement and Certificates:
There will be no measurement facilities available, but Race Committee members reserve the right to inspect any catamaran before OR after the Forts Race.
ISAF Measurement System:
The Forts Race will be raced using the ISAF measurement system. All boats must agree a handicap number at registration with an UKCRA/Race Committee representative.
Schedule of the Forts Race:
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The first race will begin at 13.00hrs on Saturday 5th September.
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The Skippers Briefing shall be held at 12.00 hrs on the 5th September.
Course:
Round the cans racing will take place in Whitstable Bay to the North West of WYC Clubhouse. The long distance race will be sailed in the area of Whitstable with up to FIVE radiating “legs”, North to the Forts, Northeast to the Windfarm, West up the Swale, Northwest along the Sheppey shore, and East to Herne Bay pier. Details will be provided at registration on Saturday, 5th September at 8.30 hrs. Subject to the weather conditions, the Forts will be the first leg. The Race Officer reserves the right to shorten the course for all OR individual competitors OR all competitors of specific classes.
Scoring System:
The RRS Appendix A – Low point Scoring will apply, having evaluated handicap times.
Shore Facilities:
Shore facilities will be described at registration, including car, boat and trailer parking.
Weather Information:
Up to date forecasts will be give at registration and Skippers Briefing.
Safety:
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RRS 40 (Personal Buoyancy) applies at all time when afloat
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Code Flag Y will not be flown (This alters RRS 40)
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Competitors shall wear a wet suit or dry suit when afloat
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Competitors shall carry at least one compass and mobile phone in a secure watertight bag
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Each catamaran shall be equipped with at least one paddle capable of propelling the craft
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Competitors shall carry at least on distress signal on their body while afloat
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The Race Committee reserve the right to check safety equipment at any time
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A “tally” system will be in operation for the Forts Race
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Competitors are reminded that RRS 1;1,1;1.2;2;3a,3b,3c; are in force at ALL times
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Failure to observe any above safety rules can lead to disqualification
Disclaimer of Liability:
The OA and any other party involved in the organisation will no accept no liability for any personal or material damage sustained prior to, during or after the Forts Race 2009. Competitors in the Forts Race do so entirely at their own risk. See RRS 4, Decision to Race

You should push this to the main forum as well, no reason to limit the audience to the F16 sailors...